Project Info

US 195 - Hatch Road to Interstate 90 - Corridor Safety Study

The Washington State Department of Transportation conducted a Corridor study to address the safety concerns on US 195 from Hatch Rd to I-90.

US 195 is part of the National Highway System (NHS) and is vital to the movement of both people and goods in the eastern part of our state.

The purpose of this study was to develop a long range plan to improve both the safety and operation of the transportation system.

Study Timeline

Important DatesJuly, 31 - All viable alternatives developedAugust, Second - Fourth week - Schedule open house - Workshop(1)September 8 -Open house at Emmanuel Lutheran Church 314 South Spruce Street in the Brown's Addition across from the southwest corner of Coeur d'Alene Park. October, 30 - All public comment from all sources received by Oversight TeamNovember, First - Third week - Value Engineering StudyDecember, First - second week - Open houseJanuary, 1999 - Eastern Region Approval - Submit to City of Spokane for their approval if not concurrent and adoption under the comprehensive plan. Submit to Spokane County for approval if required.

Increase traffic volumes have brought an increase in both the accident rates and the total number of accidents.

The accident rate, while below the state average has increased substantially in the seven year period shown.

As indicated by the chart the total number of accidents in this corridor doubled from 1993 to 1996.

source : WSDOT

Potential Growth (in the Latah Creek Area)

The chart below lists the total proposed units and total present units for these developments. These developments are only those that already have been platted. Over 3000 units (houses and apartments) could be built in the next few years.

The Latah Creek area is one of the largest undeveloped areas both within the Urban Growth Boundary and in close proximity to downtown Spokane. This brings the potential for significant growth in the next few years which will continue to impact our transportation system.

Researchers have found that a housing unit will typically generate from 7 to 10 vehicle trips per day. A trip is defined as one way. Going to work and coming back home constitutes two trips.

The addition of 3000 housing units could add up to 21,000 daily trips to US 195 which is more than the current daily traffic.

see aerial images with average daily traffic (ADT) and residential development numbers below.

Maintain 195 as a free-flowing facility.WSDOT recognizes that signals on this type highway are a safety problem. Signals would disrupt free flowing traffic.

Increase corridor safetyAccidents have increased, with accidents at intersections being a major part of this increase. The plan will address safety issues.

Provide routes for local traffic to immediate area and downtownUS 195 now serves as the arterial for the neighborhoods south of Inland Empire Way. This plan will look at providing other routes to travel within the local area and to downtown.

Minimize impact to neighborhoods and the environment

Involve public in planning processEfforts will be made to meet with neighborhoods, conduct open houses and meet with interested parties. An advisory committee has been established with public and private representatives.

Complex Design Issues

These are some of the critical design issues that will be considered in developing a transportation plan for the 195 corridor.

voiding impacts to the creek and wetlands

fitting a transportation system into a narrow corridor with areas of steep terrain, railroads and tunnels